Top 5 bowling performances by Ishant Sharma in international cricket

5. 3/33 vs Sri Lanka (Champions Trophy 2013, 2nd semifinal, Cardiff)

Ishant Sharma

In one of his finest bowling spells, the long-haired pacer kept troubling the Sri Lankan line-up as he exploited the steep bounce and made the ball move off the seam during the second semi-final of the 2013 Champions Trophy at Cardiff.

He began by getting the ball to seam away from the back of a length, inducing left-hander Lahiru Thirimanne into getting a thick edge to Suresh Raina at second slip, who took a fine low catch to his right.

Then, Ishant took out Kumar Sangakkara with a similar delivery – once again it was Raina who pouched the chance at second slip.

Finally, Ishant finished his spell with a short delivery that Thisara Perera attempted to hoist into the mid-wicket stands, but he only ended up skying a catch to Shikhar Dhawan.

For a bowler who is known to struggle against left-handers, his all three wickets were southpaws. His fine spell paved the way for India’s win and entry into the final, and also fetched him the Player of the Match award.